Newbie on the Cruisers Forum

[NatureGuy]

Living in the Tampa area...and, with a little luck, will soon have a nifty sailboat again...a smaller sailboat, that is...yeah, I'm expecting to become a 'trailer-sailor.' The boat I'm considering now is a West Wight Potter-15. I've lusted after one of these for a long time....and, this weekend might be the time.

I've owned a couple other sail boats over the past 15 years or so....the first was a 12 ft. Erickson....the things I learned about sailing with it! Then was "Gizmo" - my 23 ft. O'Day....in which I sailed the Columbia River in the Portland, OR., area.

Now I am living in the Tampa Bay area and am ready for some more sailing. Once I've gotten the 'feel' for the Potter, I'd like to try a short cruise with it-----hopefully in the company of another boat (or more) from the Tampa area southwards on to Key West--then on to Hemingway Marina. (stopping points any time along the way.) That's my "plan." I'm loathe to attempt any such cruise totally on my own---my cruising skills are quite limited due to lack of experience. Open sea cruising is a totally different ball-game from river sailing.....so, if anybody from my general area ever has thoughts about a similar cruise (such as I've suggested above)....I'd love to hear from you.

Larry ()

[Mark1977]

Welcome aboard Larry.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Larry.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by NatureGuy

Once I've gotten the 'feel' for the Potter, I'd like to try a short cruise with it-----hopefully in the company of another boat (or more) from the Tampa area southwards on to Key West--then on to Hemingway Marina.

Hey, Larry. Welcome to the forum.

Out here on the Left Coast there's a group of WW Potter guys, all of whom seem to have facial hair, who meet regularly and cruise together for the weekend. The great majority of them are singlehanders, so I've always assumed that buddy-boating on these cruises is their way to look out for one another.

Anyway, you might want to think about looking for a similar group down in your area. That way, you'll all be moving the same speed.

[Lancerbye]

Welcome aboard.

[cabo_sailor]

Hi Larry,

You seem to have enough sailing experience so that your transition to salt water shouldn't be to difficult. The problem with the west coast of Florida is that the water is shallow. It can kick up a real nasty short chop in almost no time at all. The Potter is certainly an attractive boat but you just might find the light weight and short chop might be a bit uncomfortable at times. Of course, I'm prejudiced, I like heavy boats and will trade the speed for comfort (relatively speaking).

Either way, welcome and you might look on the Potter owners site to find potential companions.

West Wight Potter Owner's Home Port

Rich

[sj01]

We're in the Tampa area as well, though complete newbies in the sailing arena. Looking, listening, and learning right now. Going to go out with a buddy to the Davis Island Yacht Club to mix and mingle. You might check them out. Apparently Thursday nights they have races....and an open meet and greet.
www.diyc.org

Welcome and hope to hear good things about your adventures

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Our club has a WWP 19 and it is really a great little boat with all the features of a larger boat except for the size.
kind regards,